http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:20:27 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2026-nll-cardinal-division-preview-fremont-ross-napoleon-expected-to-battle-for/stories/20260819014 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2026-nll-cardinal-division-preview-fremont-ross-napoleon-expected-to-battle-for/stories/20260819014#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:14:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2026-nll-cardinal-division-preview-fremont-ross-napoleon-expected-to-battle-for/stories/20260819014 Fremont Ross and Napoleon are expected to be the teams to beat in the Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division. Fremont Ross football coach Ken Winters runs practice July 22 at Don Paul Stadium in Fremont. Fremont Ross wideout Mason Englund shakes defenders from Napoleon in a high school football game at Don Paul Stadium on Oct. 17, 2025, in Fremont, Ohio. Fremont Ross football coach Ken Winters runs practice July 22 at Don Paul Stadium in Fremont. Napoleon’s Hayden Groll is brought down by Defiance’s TJ Burruss, left, and Larry Wade during a high school football game at Fred J. Brown Stadium in Defiance on Aug. 21, 2025. Liberty-Benton’s Connor Barbara reaches for an extra yard as he is brought down by Liberty Center’s Kaden Sonnenberg during an OHSAA Division V, Region 18 semifinal football game at Liberty Center High School in Liberty Center on Nov. 14, 2025. Jackson Hessey of Sylvania Southview High School, throws the ball during a football game against Clay High School in Oregon on Aug. 29. Gabe Gregory (56) during football practice at Springfield High School in Holland on Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2025-nll-buckeye-division-preview/stories/20260819028 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2025-nll-buckeye-division-preview/stories/20260819028#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:09:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/19/2025-nll-buckeye-division-preview/stories/20260819028 Preseason expectations have Perrysburg firmly atop the Northern Lakes League Buckeye Division after earning a share of the divisional title in 2025. Perrysburg linebacker Hayden Knoblauch looks over his shoulder during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg head coach Dirk Conner calls plays during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg offensive lineman Reed Gerken works on his form during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg quaterback Brady Maxwell works with the offense during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg linebacker Michael Duvall powers through the drill during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/19/lowe-flores-homer-pirates-rally-past-tigers/stories/20260819113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/19/lowe-flores-homer-pirates-rally-past-tigers/stories/20260819113#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:04:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/19/lowe-flores-homer-pirates-rally-past-tigers/stories/20260819113 PITTSBURGH  — Brandon Lowe homered off Detroit closer Kenley Jansen with two outs in the ninth inning to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday. Pittsburgh Pirates' Brandon Lowe follows through on a walk-off solo home run off Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. Pittsburgh Pirates' Rafael Flores Jr., right, crosses home plate past Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. Pittsburgh Pirates' Rafael Flores Jr. (43) is met at the dugout steps by manager Don Kelly, left, and Billy Cook (25) after hitting a solo home run off Detroit Tigers pitcher Jacob Waguespack during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) returns to the dugout after being pulled by manager Don Kelly during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/19/mud-hens-walk-off-cubs/stories/20260819119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/19/mud-hens-walk-off-cubs/stories/20260819119#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:57:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/19/mud-hens-walk-off-cubs/stories/20260819119 The Toledo Mud Hens saved their most important hits for the end, with Bennett Lee’s two-out RBI single bringing home Cal Stevenson to give the hosts a 2-1 walk-off victory over the Iowa Cubs in the second game of the series Wednesday. Toledo’s Cal Stevenson slides to make the out during a International League baseball game at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on Aug. 19. Toledo’s Max Anderson catches the ball as Iowa’s James Triantos slides into second base during a International League baseball game at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on Aug. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:54:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103 I would say Tyrell Russell is the fastest college football player you haven’t heard about yet. Tyrell Russell, a redshirt freshman cornerback for Toledo, is looking to crack the Rockets' lineup this fall. Toledo cornerback Tyrell Russell, right, defends a pass in practice. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/08/19/college-football-2026-notre-dame-s-goal-is-to-end-title-drought/stories/20260820042 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/08/19/college-football-2026-notre-dame-s-goal-is-to-end-title-drought/stories/20260820042#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:21:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/08/19/college-football-2026-notre-dame-s-goal-is-to-end-title-drought/stories/20260820042 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — After reaching the 2024 CFP championship game and last year’s surprise absence from the 12-team playoff field, fourth-ranked Notre Dame begins this season still looking to end its national championship drought. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, the best performance for a Fighting Irish QB in his first 12 starts since 1966. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/08/18/jo-adell-erupts-career-high-6-rbis-455-foot-homers-guardians-crush-giants/stories/20260818125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/08/18/jo-adell-erupts-career-high-6-rbis-455-foot-homers-guardians-crush-giants/stories/20260818125#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:03:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/08/18/jo-adell-erupts-career-high-6-rbis-455-foot-homers-guardians-crush-giants/stories/20260818125 CLEVELAND — Jo Adell set a career high with six RBIs and hit a 455-foot, three-run homer in the first inning as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-1 Tuesday night. Cleveland Guardians' Jo Adell is congratulated by Jose Ramirez (11) and Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a three-run home run off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carson Whisenhunt. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/08/18/masyn-winn-homers-cardinals-shut-out-reds-3-0/stories/20260818124 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/08/18/masyn-winn-homers-cardinals-shut-out-reds-3-0/stories/20260818124#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:01:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/08/18/masyn-winn-homers-cardinals-shut-out-reds-3-0/stories/20260818124 CINCINNATI — Masyn Winn hit a home run and doubled twice and Kyle Leahy gave up three hits and struck out six in five innings as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Tuesday night. St. Louis Cardinals' Masyn Winn hits a solo home run. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/18/braxton-ashcraft-works-8-efficient-innings-oneil-cruz-homers-pirates-top-tigers/stories/20260818123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/18/braxton-ashcraft-works-8-efficient-innings-oneil-cruz-homers-pirates-top-tigers/stories/20260818123#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:01:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/08/18/braxton-ashcraft-works-8-efficient-innings-oneil-cruz-homers-pirates-top-tigers/stories/20260818123 PITTSBURGH — Braxton Ashcraft allowed five hits over eight efficient innings, Oneil Cruz homered in his return from the injured list, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft delivers. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/18/mud-hens-roll-cubs-behind-sears-dominant-outing-lees-3-run-blast/stories/20260818122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/18/mud-hens-roll-cubs-behind-sears-dominant-outing-lees-3-run-blast/stories/20260818122#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 02:57:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/08/18/mud-hens-roll-cubs-behind-sears-dominant-outing-lees-3-run-blast/stories/20260818122 Bennett Lee and Max Burt launched home runs for the Toledo Mud Hens as relief pitcher Andrew Sears limited the Iowa Cubs with five scoreless innings, helping Toledo pick up a convincing series-opening victory, 9-2. Mud Hens winning pitcher Andrew Sears leans to get another strikeout. Mud Hens winning pitcher Andrew Sears hurls. Mud Hens fans are greeted by Cattrick from the Toledo Walleye. Mud Hens winning pitcher Andrew Sears works his delivery. Mud Hens winning pitcher Andrew Sears likes the strikeout he earned against the Iowa Cubs. Mud Hens winning pitcher Andrew Sears is excited about a strikeout. Iowa Cubs batter Justin Dean is dismayed at the strikeout call, which he swung through. Mud Hens batter Chris Meyers drives a double. Mud Hens batters face Iowa Cubs pitcher Braxton Garrett. Mud Hens baserunner Andrew Navigato steals second base safely. Mud Hens batter Bennett Lee drives in a 3-run home run. Mud Hens fan Nick Gulch waves the bird flag against the Iowa Cubs in a Minor League Baseball game at Fifth-Third Field on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in downtown Toledo. Mud Hens batter Bennett Lee drives in a 3-run home run. Mud Hens batter Andre Navigato swings at dirt. Iowa Cubs manager Marty Pevey takes the field to dispute the umpire's choice to eject him for arguing about the speed with which Mud Hens pitchers were successively delivering pitches against his batters. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/18/anthony-wayne-boys-soccers-late-1st-half-goal-proves-pivotal-win-southview/stories/20260818115 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/18/anthony-wayne-boys-soccers-late-1st-half-goal-proves-pivotal-win-southview/stories/20260818115#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 02:53:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/18/anthony-wayne-boys-soccers-late-1st-half-goal-proves-pivotal-win-southview/stories/20260818115 After tying things up on a penalty kick, Southview boys soccer appeared to have seized momentum in its home opener Tuesday. Southview’s Zayd Naim and Anthony Wayne’s Brayden McVicker lunge for the ball during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Anthony Wayne celebrates a goal during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Ethan Feller slide tackles the ball away from Anthony Wayne’s Blake Mohr during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Zayd Naim and Anthony Wayne’s Levi Blackburn fight for control of the ball during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Anthony Wayne’s Sam Leonard moves the ball away from Southview’s Ethan Cardarelli during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Ahmad Almousa kicks the ball past Anthony Wayne’s Ryan Parker during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s goalie Max Rhodes grabs the ball during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Anthony Wayne celebrates their first goal during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Max Weldele heads the ball during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Nick Torrico heads the ball past Anthony Wayne’s Jack Freeman during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Ben Slough moves the ball away from Anthony Wayne’s Ryan Parker during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. Southview’s Zayd Naim celebrates a goal during a boys soccer game at Southview High School in Sylvania on Aug. 18. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/18/briggs-ottawa-hills-ben-silverman-great-golf-career-discovered-weapon/stories/20260818106 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/18/briggs-ottawa-hills-ben-silverman-great-golf-career-discovered-weapon/stories/20260818106#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:15:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/18/briggs-ottawa-hills-ben-silverman-great-golf-career-discovered-weapon/stories/20260818106 For much of Ben Silverman’s life, golf wasn’t just a game. It was the pursuit. Ben Silverman and his wife, Kelli, after Ben qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship earlier this month. Kelli, who is six months pregnant, served as her husband's caddie for the big round. Ottawa Hills native Ben Silverman at a U.S. Open local qualifier. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:09:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101 Former University of Toledo baseball standout Chris Meyers is returning to the Glass City, this time as a Toledo Mud Hen. Former University of Toledo baseball standout Chris Meyers was called up to join the Mud Hens on Tuesday after playing 65 games with the Detroit Tigers' Double-A affiliate in 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/18/analysis-3-4/stories/20260816125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/18/analysis-3-4/stories/20260816125#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:41:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/18/analysis-3-4/stories/20260816125 BOWLING GREEN — A schedule consisting of 18 home games and 14 road trips awaits the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team, as a program-high 22 Mid-American Conference contests make up the bulk of the upcoming season.  The Falcons travel to Georgia State (Nov. Bowling Green’s Josiah Shackelford, right, goes against Bethany College’s Bryson Bishop during a men’s college basketball game between Bowling Green State University and Bethany College at BGSU’s Stroh Center in Bowling Green on Nov. 6, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:43:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006 With the release of the Mid-American Conference schedule, Toledo men’s basketball and all other MAC schools will play 22 league games for the first time. Toledo’s Austin Parks secures a rebound against Akron in the men’s college basketball finals of the MAC Tournament at Rocket Arena on March 14 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:28:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079 The Toledo Walleye have signed Greg Smith, a forward who has played in 112 ECHL games. Forward Greg Smith, who played for both Greensboro and Adirondack last season in the ECHL last season, has signed with the Toledo Walleye. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/17/2026-chsl-football-preview-state-power-central-catholic-tops-toledo-trio/stories/20260817072 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/17/2026-chsl-football-preview-state-power-central-catholic-tops-toledo-trio/stories/20260817072#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:36:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/08/17/2026-chsl-football-preview-state-power-central-catholic-tops-toledo-trio/stories/20260817072 For a fourth straight year, Central Catholic, St. Francis de Sales, and St. John's Jesuit will test themselves in the Detroit-based Catholic High School League, one of the Midwest's toughest, before Ohio's postseason tournament. Central Cahtolic’s Khalil Autumn catches the ball as Jeremiah Fuller runs alongside him during practice at Gallagher Athletic Complex at Central Catholic High School in Toledo on Aug. 12. Central Catholic’s quarterback Ali Beydoun passes the ball during practice at Gallagher Athletic Complex at Central Catholic High School in Toledo on Aug. 12. Central Catholic’s D'Angelo Thornton and Jaylen Webb participate in a blocking drill during practice at Gallagher Athletic Complex at Central Catholic High School in Toledo on Aug. 12. Central Catholic’s Keyon Robinson, Ali Beydoun, Max Koback, Jeremiah Fuller, Jaylen Webb, and Amari Eliano stand together before practice at Gallagher Athletic Complex at Central Catholic High School in Toledo on Aug. 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:13:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021 For Toledo women’s basketball, going back to the Mid-American Conference championship game starts with knowing what the path will be to get there. Toledo’s Ella Weaver hits the corner three against Ball St. in a semifinal women’s college basketball MAC tournament game at Rocket Arena on March 13 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-bgsu-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260816117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-bgsu-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260816117#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:12:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-bgsu-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260816117 BOWLING GREEN — BGSU women’s basketball coach Fred Chmiel leads his Falcons for the fourth time in the 2026-27 season with a winning record and Mid-American Conference tournament appearance in each of the previous three. BGSU’s Lauren Gerken hits the jumper against Ball State in a quarterfinal game of the MAC women’s college basketball tournament at Rocket Arena on March 11 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/16/jeeno-thitikul-rallies-64-win-lpga-portland/stories/20260816134 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/16/jeeno-thitikul-rallies-64-win-lpga-portland/stories/20260816134#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:03:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/08/16/jeeno-thitikul-rallies-64-win-lpga-portland/stories/20260816134 PORTLAND, Ore. — Jeeno Thitikul ran off five straight birdies early and closed with an 8-under 64 for a one-shot victory Sunday in The Standard Portland Classic, her third LPGA Tour title of the season. Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, lines up a putt on the 18th green.